Photographer's Note

This is a shot of the front of Bective Abbey, a Cisterican Abbey founded in 1147. It is in the area known as Bective positioned between the towns of Trim and Navan in Co Meath.

When built by Murchad O'Maeil-Sheachlainn it was considered a daughter house to Mellifont Abbey, the first ever Irish Cistercian abbey founded outside Drogheda in 1142.

What we see today does not feature much of the original building, with much reworking carried out after 1274, and further construction in the 1400's.

After Henry VIII ruled for the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1530's (an event that would have huge impact all across Ireland), Bective Abbey fell into the possession of Thomas Agard, who transformed the religious building into a sprawling private tudor mansion. By 1540, the roof had been removed for another construction project, and the building was left abandoned.

The Irish State took ownership of the site in 1993, and has since been undertaking maintenance of the building, while keeping if fully open to the public.

The cool thing about this place is that it is completely open, so while the roofs are missing, there are certainly lots of little ancient and tiny rooms and stone staircases to explore. There are also these cloisters on the inner courtyard. Although very little remain, those that do are beautiful, with one featuring finely carved detail of a saint.

Due to the building being a safe haven for the invaders from England in 1228, the Abbey was heavily fortified and the two main towers were constructed. This made Bective Abbey the most heavily fortified abbey in Ireland.

Its hard today to imagine what this would have been like as either a monastery or a private mansion with its tiny barred windows, and military design. The only part which looks to me like a residential building is the upstairs window, here seen in the furthest right part of the building next to the large trer.

It is open to the public all day every day, and recent improvements to the site include the construction of a small car park and newly laid pathways. Its a nice place to explore, although many of the interior rooms are barred shut and off limits because they contain fragments of ancient stonework, which I guess would otherwise be stolen by collectors of such items.

Good evening, Noel,
The green fresh grass and the blue sky make these grey ruins more picturesque. Another interesting historic trip to the past. Excellent illustration for this informative note.
Have a great new week!
Serghei

Hello Noel,
this presentation is very delightful and interesting, we get a thorough description of the ruined building under a strong light and the shadows add drama. I like very much how you placed the abbey in the upper part of the frame and how elegant and inviting the path that leads to it looks. I also like the balance offered by the tree as well as the bright and vivid colours that surround the antique stone structures. Congratulations and thank you!
All the best, have a lovely evening,
Ourania

Hi Noel,
Classy and very elegant composition of this interesting ruins. Like the way you included the path which leads us directly to the architecture and makes the view really spectacular. Well seen and taken. TFS!

There is always something exciting about visiting an old ruin (building of course) and, like you, I never miss an opportunity. It's good to let the mind imagine who lived there and how they faired.
You have used the pathway as a great, natural lead to the ruined abbey with its guarding trees, the details of which are very nicely captured.
The importance of the light becomes obvious, here; a bright day affects the highlights and shadows, revealing the textures and creating more of a 3D effect.
This is good enough for the brochure.

Hello Noel
This is a very pleasing composition with the historic ruins. The foreground has been used most effectively to provide lovely colour and excellent lead to the main subject which is displayed with superb clarity against the blue and white sky. Thanks for shaing this beautiful picture on TE.
best regards and have a great day.
Satya

Hello Noel,
The composition is well thought out with the placement of the path designed to draw the viewer in and direct them to the abbey ruins. The elegantly shaped tree on the right nicely counterbalances the tower. Technical presentation is excellent with good light, colours and sharpness. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Noel
I love the gentle curve of the path that makes this shot so irresistible. This ruined Abbey looks like a wonderful place to explore. An impressive setting with a real sense of history and fascinating charm about it. Captured perfectly and accompanied by superb notes too! Hope you are going to post some more interior shots soon.

This is almost not to believe that after all these years the walls are in very well condition..
Nice architecture picture, with a lot good details.
Good perspective and depth image.
Excellent composition, good colours and nice presentation.
Very well done, TFS.